Many 20 - 30 year olds spent their childhood begging their parents to
take the to Blockbuster or another local movie rental place. This is
apparently something youngsters and adults no longer look forward to.
Blockbuster is feeling the effect of the growing trend of online
streaming of movies, tv shows, and various other media sources. Here is
an article of just how extreme this trend has become. What is your
viewing preference? Do you subscribe to an online broadcaster such as
Netflix? How do you think this is affecting society?
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/dish-network-close-blockbuster-stores-193325822.html
Here is an opinion of why Blockbuster is a dying company.
http://news.yahoo.com/netflix-genres-documentaries-standup-comedy-190658208.html
What do you think?
When it comes to watching movies I prefer to watch it from the TV by using a DVD player. I have always loved the idea of being able to rent movies for the weekend and have something to look forward to. Renting movies is something my family and I do quite a bit especially during the winter when we know there is going to be a storm coming, we rent movies and watch them together. I have thought about getting Netflix because it seems it would be handy whenever I wanted to watch a movie. Then I realized with how busy I am with school and sports that I already don't watch a lot of TV because I'm busy. I think our society is coming to a point where no one will have a need for movie rentals and will want to watch whatever they want through the computer or some other technology device. I hope it never comes to this.
ReplyDeleteOur family does the same thing - family movie night used to be a big deal! :) I agree that hopefully this is never dismissed completely yet I feel its only a matter of time before something freaky is the new normal...like weird contacts that you wear in one eye and just think about a movie and it starts playing. Okay that was really weird! But something along those lines!
DeletePersonally, I use Netflix to rent movies. There is so much variety, and it is so much easier to rent a movie from the coach than actually going to a video store. Netflix may be limited in some ways in what is available to watch, but they also have some very good shows and movies that are able to be watched. I think the biggest affect this has on society is the amount of jobs that Blockbuster is laying off. Other than that, it just seems like another shortcut that the American people have made for themselves. i don't believe it is a negative thing, I just think it is very convenient, easy, and simple.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the employment aspect of Blockbuster closing is an issue! Also, I liked your point about shortcuts - we seem to be an increasingly impatient society and this is perhaps just another example of that trend!
DeleteTo start: I wrote my entire blog (it was like five paragraphs) and then clicked the link and then it took me to the yahoo piece and got rid of my post.....-__-....very upsetting.
ReplyDeleteANYWAYS
I prefer to use Netflix, but due to slow internet have been unable to use it since moving to Williston. One day it shall return *stares off into sunset*...... I think I still have my subscription, but I'm not sure if it's being charged to my card every month. I should probably look into that, thank you. This is clearly making entertainment much more available for people with young kids, no legs, shut ins, and/or the incredibly lazy. It may also potentially destroy the lives of people well invested into only the Blockbuster company.
I think Blockbuster is dying because people don't want to have to drive across town, wait in line, pay more and not even have what they want guaranteed to be there. Although it sounds absurd at first, I think we can understand. Who has money for gas now days? I bet you since Netflix came out, a lot more people do ($8 a month for unlimited movies).
That is SO upsetting! Just another "joy" of technology :)
DeleteEntertainment is definitely at our finger tips...or at least it appears that way until the local internet providers let you down! Hopefully in a few months (okay maybe years!) that issue will be fixed.
I remember when I was younger, my cousins and I would always round up change and dollar bills to go to the local movie rental store to pick out movies for the weekend. It was something that we looked forward too. Now that Netflix has made it's way out into the public, I have started to use that more. With Netflix, it is just more easier and quicker to watch a movie. Also, you are able to stream videos and movies that haven't even reached the movie stores.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I have moved with along with technology and use whatever advancements that they might come up with, I do relish in the moments I get to watch a movie in the DVD player or even the forgotten about VHS recorder. I do miss those days walking over to the movie store and picking out my favorite movies, so hopefully the movie stores hang in there and give other children the same thrills I got going with family or friends to the movie rental store.
I love that you mentioned the good ol' VRC - definitely a classic! I would agree about the joy of popping in a dvd but I also like to think I adapt well to changes in technology and life in general even if I miss the past!
DeleteWhen it came to movies, typically we would just wait until they would come out for sale on store shelves. We would rarely ever go to Blockbuster or any other movie rental store to rent out a title. Then, I remember Redbox and Netflix emerged around the same era, which completely changed the way my family got movies. With a Netflix subscription and the occasional Redbox rental, any movie was available is a quick amount of time.
ReplyDeleteIn North Dakota, internet streaming movies is much more difficult than it ever was back home in Washington due to slow internet speeds. So there are some instances where a video rental store would be useful.
About a year ago was the last time I walked into a movie store (not even to rent a movie) and the place was completely dead!
As technology becomes more complex society finds more interesting ways to take advantage of this technology and it never hurt to make a little profit on the side right?
I am glad you mentioned Redbox because I think it has become a major movie rental convenience. It allows a lot of renting flexibility at very low costs while still creating the appeal of going out to rent a movie. Those who are too lazy or prefer the convenience of choosing from home have shifted to Netflix. Unfortunately that left an incredibly small market available to Blockbuster.
Delete.I remember going to the movie store and scanning all the isles searching for what movie me and my family were going to watch that night. It was also full of candy and popcorn. It also had a gumball machine and if you got one that was wrapped in foil you won a free movie rental. I always enjoyed going there as a child it was a common every weekend thing. As I became older I noticed we started going to rent movies less and less. Why? I’m not really sure. I’m assuming how costly and a hassle it became from late fees and the harsh winters here that no one wanted to leave the house. I do see the times changing though. My family has Netflix and we use it quite regularly. I don't remember the last time I went to rent a movie because I had online access straight from my TV screen. As for effecting society I would say it’s playing a big role on the movie experience. I love to go to movies overtime I go I think of the olden days where everyone dressed al nice and it was a social event. Now people dread going to movies. Why? I’m not sure. But I do see this maybe even completely diminishing in the future. Maybe not completely because actors and actresses influence so many people so easily that going to a movie will always be around. Online movie access is a new trend, it makes me think what’s next? Maybe future theaters and movies will have to make you feel like you’re actually in the movie to get people to go. Go beyond 3D
ReplyDeleteThe late fees and increased cost of movie rentals definitely shifted peoples' opinions on the movie rental experience. It is unfortunate that there was nothing that could be done to combat these negative trends while still allowing Blockbuster to remain a profitable company!
DeleteThis article had me reminiscing on so many awesome childhood memories. My sister and I would get so excited when mom would take us to rent a movie or surprise us with bringing a rental back. Although my viewing preference has defiantly become more towards the Netflix or Redbox as I have grown in age. Although I still watch a lot of sports, its so much easier and seems less expensive than having to deal with late fees or damaging the disc. I personally do subscribe to Netflix and on occasion rent a movie from a Redbox. I think overall the "online movies" have helped and made it easier for people to watch what they please, although it is kind of sad to me that the kids growing up with all this technology wont be able to have all these nice memories that I have shared with my family as a kid growing up.
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